How to Build Scenario Structures in Make.com

Working with scenario input and output structures in make.com is essential for creating reliable automations that pass data exactly where you expect it. This guide explains how to create, edit, and validate these structures step by step.

What Are Scenario Structures in Make.com?

In make.com, a structure describes the expected layout of data flowing into or out of a module within a scenario. It defines the names, types, and nesting of fields so that each module can correctly process incoming data or generate consistent outputs.

When a structure is defined correctly, you can:

Ensure data is formatted the way the receiving module expects.
Map fields confidently between modules.
Avoid runtime errors caused by malformed data.
Improve the maintainability and clarity of your scenarios.

Key Concepts for Make.com Structures

Before building or editing any structure in make.com, you should understand these core concepts:

Structure types in make.com

Structures can represent different forms of data, such as:

Objects – Collections of key–value pairs (for example, a contact record or order).
Arrays – Lists of items, where each item shares the same structure.
Primitive values – Single values like text, numbers, booleans, or dates.

Complex structures are typically combinations of objects and arrays that mirror the JSON format used by many APIs.

Fields inside a make.com structure

Each field within a structure has several important attributes:

Field name – The key used to identify the value in the data payload.
Data type – Such as text, number, boolean, array, or object.
Required vs optional – Determines whether the field must be present.
Default value – Used if no value is provided.

By carefully defining these attributes, you help make.com validate data before it is processed.

How to Create Scenario Input Structures in Make.com

The input structure defines the data a module expects to receive. Follow these steps to configure it correctly in make.com.

Step 1: Open your scenario in make.com

Log in to your make.com account.
Open the dashboard and select the scenario you want to edit.
Click the module whose input you want to configure.

Step 2: Access the input structure editor

In the module configuration panel, locate the section for Input or Data structure.
Click the option to Define, Edit, or Customize the input structure (label names may vary depending on the module).

Step 3: Define fields for your make.com input

Inside the editor, define each field that the module should receive:

Add a new field and enter a clear, descriptive name.
Select the appropriate data type (text, number, boolean, array, or object).
Specify whether the field is required.
Optionally set a default value for optional fields.
For nested objects or arrays, expand the item and repeat the process for its children.

Keep field names consistent with the external system or API you are integrating to simplify mapping.

Step 4: Save and validate the input structure

After defining all fields, click Save or OK in the structure editor.
Return to the main module configuration and verify that the new structure appears.
Run the scenario in Preview or Test mode to check that incoming data matches the structure.

If validation fails, review the structure and adjust field types or naming as needed.

How to Create Scenario Output Structures in Make.com

Output structures describe the shape of data a module produces for subsequent modules in make.com. Defining them clearly makes mapping easier and prevents undefined fields.

Step 1: Open the module output settings

Within your scenario, click the module whose output you need to define.
Locate the Output or Data structure section.
Choose the option to edit or define the output structure.

Step 2: Add output fields

Use the same approach as with input structures:

Create fields that reflect the data the module will emit.
Align field names with target systems when possible.
Include nested objects or arrays for more complex responses.

Ensuring the output structure is explicit helps other modules in make.com reference the correct fields in mapping dialogs.

Step 3: Test the output from make.com

Save the structure and return to the scenario canvas.
Run the scenario, or execute the module once if supported.
Inspect the module output to ensure the generated data matches the defined structure.

Any mismatch indicates that the structure or module configuration must be adjusted.

Editing Existing Scenario Structures in Make.com

Over time, requirements change and you may need to update the structure of a scenario in make.com. Editing structures should be done carefully to avoid breaking dependent modules.

Best practices for safe changes

Review dependencies – Check which modules map to the structure you want to modify.
Avoid renaming fields unnecessarily – Renaming can break existing mappings.
Add fields instead of deleting – Deleting fields that are in use can cause errors.
Test after each change – Run controlled tests to verify the impact.

Step-by-step structure revisions in make.com

Open the scenario and select the module with the structure to change.
Open the input or output structure editor.
Adjust field definitions: rename, change type, add, or remove fields, as required.
Save the structure.
Review subsequent modules for any broken mappings.
Run tests and validate the entire scenario flow.

Validating Scenario Data Structures in Make.com

Validation ensures that the data conform to the declared structures at runtime. In make.com, validation typically occurs when the scenario is executed or when test runs are performed.

Common validation issues

Missing required fields – Required fields not supplied by the previous module or external system.
Incorrect data types – For example, text provided where a number is expected.
Unexpected nesting – Arrays or objects not matching the defined levels.
Null or empty values – When the structure requires a non-empty value.

How to troubleshoot validation problems in make.com

Run the scenario and inspect error messages produced by the failing module.
Compare the actual payload with the defined structure.
Update the structure or adjust mapping in previous modules so the payload matches.
Repeat tests until all modules pass validation.

Using Documentation and Examples for Make.com Structures

For more detailed, official guidance on creating the structure of scenario inputs or outputs, refer directly to the make.com help documentation. The page at this make.com help article provides authoritative instructions and examples.

If you need assistance designing complex structures for larger integrations, you can also consult implementation specialists. For example, Consultevo offers consulting and automation services that can help you plan and optimize advanced workflows.

Tips for Designing Robust Structures in Make.com

When defining your scenario inputs and outputs, keep the following tips in mind:

Start with the external API schema or data model, then mirror it in your make.com structures.
Use clear and descriptive field names to make mapping easier for future collaborators.
Group related fields into nested objects to keep structures organized.
Document assumptions, such as which fields are guaranteed to be present.
Regularly review structures as your processes evolve.

By taking a systematic approach, you ensure that your make.com scenarios remain stable and easy to maintain, even as they grow more complex.

Conclusion: Controlling Data Flow in Make.com

Defining, editing, and validating scenario structures in make.com gives you precise control over your data flows. Whether you are working with simple records or deeply nested objects, investing time in accurate structures will reduce errors, simplify troubleshooting, and provide a solid foundation for scalable automations.

Need Help With Make.com?

If you want expert help building, automating, or scaling your Make scenarios, work with ConsultEvo — certified workflow and automation specialists.

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Master Make.com Scenario Structures